<p>I'm thinking about applying to a foreign exchange program during my junior year of high school (SYA france). What concerns me is the fact that I would most likely have to give up getting an IB diploma. How would this affect me in the college admissions process in the long run?
PS I'm a Canadian citizen, but I've been living in the US for almost 6 years. Sadly, I'm an ORM and I don't have US permanent residency, both of which can work strongly against me in the college admissions process. </p>
<p>So please please and pretty please someone asses my situation and let me know your thoughts. :) thanks!</p>
<p>Think of this as a double-edged sword. Your exchange program could serve you well in that it will set you apart from similar applicants. However, in exchange, you choose to give up a rigorous IB program, thus working against you as well.</p>
<p>In the end, it comes to whether or not you think your current academic credentials will hold up to the majority of applicants. If it does, then the exchange would benefit you well. If your academic is quite low, then stick with the IB.</p>
<p>I haven’t talked to my guidance counselor yet, but I’m pretty sure I could take IB classes for the IB certificates. It’s sort of a compromise. 
Academically, I’ve taken a lot of APs/honors (all A’s), and if I were to stay in the states I plan on taking all AP/IB classes. I’m hoping that it would hold up…</p>